COMPTON — A delegation of adult film stars made an unannounced visit to Assemblymember Isadore Hall’s district office on Monday, asking that the politician withdraw his controversial condom legislation, until performers can educate him about the issues. In its current state, AB 1576 is overwhelmingly opposed by adult performers.

Nina Hartley, Anikka Albrite, Alex Chance, Charli Piper and Mia Li delivered a petition signed by over 600 adult film stars to Hall’s office, in hopes of persuading the Assemblymember to drop AB1576. In a letter accompanying the petition, they criticized Hall for not soliciting performer input on the bill, and for ignoring their significant and growing concerns about the legislation.

“Performers are not being heard by Hall,” said Lorelei Lee, a performer who helped organize the trip, and who has been at the forefront of the battle to Stop AB1576. ” We are not being heard by many in the Capitol. If they refuse to listen to us, we will show up on their doorstep, we will speak out until they recognize the legitimacy of our voices. ”

In a statement, the group said AB1576 “violates our privacy, strips us of our rights, and criminalizes our work without addressing any of our actual labor issues.” Hall has refused repeated requests by performers and producers to work on legislation that could improve performer safety.

Hall was not available, and performers met with his District Director Heather Hutt to talk about condom abrasion, testing protocols, and the importance of including performer voices in legislation that affects them. Hutt said she would pass along their concerns, but gave no indication that Hall would respond.

In addition to the over 600 signature petition, AB 1576 has been opposed by a variety of performer and progressive groups, including the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, The Harvey Milk Democratic Club, the Center for Sex and Culture, the St. James Infirmary, and the Transgender Law Center.

AB 1576 heads for its first Senate vote Wednesday.

Performers will also be in Sacramento to lobby legislators Tuesday.

Contact:
Mike Stabile
Stop AB 1576 Coalition
415.710.9184